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About Dr. Alyssa Medina

When you’re the one everyone depends on, it can be hard to admit you’re struggling too. I specialize in working with women and first responders who feel overwhelmed, are navigating complicated life transitions, or desiring to heal from childhood and work-related trauma—helping you find relief, process what you’ve been carrying, and empowering you to reconnect with yourself. In addition to desiring relief from overwhelm and trauma, those who work with me are typically experiencing relationship challenges, low self-esteem, chronic stress, compassion fatigue, anxiety, or difficulty “turning off.” Whether you're facing the impacts of a high-pressure work environment, identity shifts, or cumulative stress, we’ll work together to help you feel more grounded and in control.


My name is Alyssa, and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has worked in the mental health field since 2013. When we work together, I prioritize building an accepting, genuine, and supportive relationship with you as the foundation for all therapeutic work we do together. Creating a compassionate, non-judgmental environment where you feel free to share your experiences without fear of judgment is the beginning of growth and change.


My approach is integrative and evidence-based, drawing from EMDR, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based practices, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). This allows me to tailor therapy to your unique experiences and goals—whether that’s processing trauma, improving coping skills, or understanding yourself.


Beyond my work as a counselor, I’m always looking for a chance to enjoy a delicious coffee or meal with friends and loved ones – bonus if I can also be in nature! I’m a lifelong learner and find joy in adding to my knowledge, whether it be through reading, trainings, or new experiences. I find my own experiences have reinforced my belief a holistic model of wellness, focusing on tending to not only emotional wellbeing, but physical, social, and spiritual wellbeing to achieve our most whole and fulfilled selves.

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My Education and Training

I obtained my master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Old Dominion University (ODU) in 2017 and my PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision from ODU in 2021. I have trained and worked in residential treatment, intensive in-home services, community mental health, outpatient and EAP counseling, inpatient psychiatric facilities, crisis stabilization, and detox services.

I have had the opportunity to serve clients ranging from children to adults with a wide variety of mental health concerns. Over the past several years, I have become passionate for working with teens and adults who experience complex trauma, women and mothers experiencing relationship and parenting challenges, first responders, and individuals going through life transitions.

Qualifications

  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
  • Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision (2021)
  • M.S.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (2017)
  • EMDR Certified Therapist™ (2024)
  • IFS Informed (2024)
  • International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Center of Excellence Preferred Provider
  • EMDR Consultant in Training  (2026)

Inspirational Quotes

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." -Anais Nin

"If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them." - Henry David Thoreau

“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” - Albus Dumbledore, The Prisoner of Azkaban

"Great things are done by a series of small things brought together." - Vincent Van Gogh

"You don't need to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

"Every morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most." - Gautama Buddha

"Don't give up. Normally it is the last key on the ring which opens the door." - Paul Coelho

"The green reed which bends in the wind is stronger than the mighty ok which breaks in the storm." - Confucius

May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears." - Nelson Mandela

"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." - Aesop

"The inspiration you seek is already within you. Be silent and listen." - Rumi

"Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance." - Eckhart Tolle

Are you ready to take the first step?

Reach out to me today!

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